Folkways Years

Lonnie Johnson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 13, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000001DJA
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,133 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Although Johnson is one of the blues most brilliant and influential guitarists, it is these rare cuts that reveal a powerfully emotive vocalist. Recorded in 1967, these solo studio sessions are marked by superb guitar accompaniment. However, it is Johnson's voice that commands our attention with 24 tales of classic urban blues and popular song. Including C. C. Rider, Tears Don't Fall No More, and How Deep Is the Ocean. "...[S]uperb evidence of his uncommonly affecting artistry." — The Whig Standard

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb disc., September 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Folkways Years (Audio CD)

I love his vocals and his guitar playing. He brings a unique and wonderful style to standards such as "Summertime" and "What a Difference a Day Makes. " Check out the amazing guitar on a track like "Prisoner of Love." The disc also includes some snippets of an interview with Johnson. It's quite an eyeopener to hear this man's humble descriptions of his life - it's quite refreshing compared with the pampered and spoiled attitudes of celebrity muscians today.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling, Comforting, Personal, unique great, October 23, 2003

By 

Tony Thomas (SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folkways Years (Audio CD)

These records are unique. Johnson plays all of these selections solo on an a very acoustic sounding electric guitar and sings them all. Now and then he talks about the songs. They range from blues to "my mother's eyes" and include a number of great pop ballads from "I'm Confessin" to "What a Difference a Day Makes." This is a master who had been playing and singing for 40 years, yet there is so much personal sentimental and feeling here, so much expression in the guitar playing. You feel like you know the man after you hear this. You feel like you really know these songs anew after you here this album. This is a good album for a thoughtful evening with a good glass of wine, a good friend, and an open mind!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What more can you say !, June 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Folkways Years (Audio CD)

A fantastic CD of the late great Lonnie Johnson. I bought this CD especially for the tune called 'Mister Trouble' which I had recorded off of a Blues program years ago but did not catch the artists name. When I found out a year later I purchased the CD immediately right here from Amazon ! It is good long CD with a great interview with Lonnie at the end and what a nice guy ! If you love folk blues this is a must have ! Buy it, listen to it, LOVE it. You will not be disappointed.